FFG Basisprogramm

For founders (natural persons), startups, SMEs, and large enterprises – regardless of industry or company age; project-based R&D activities are eligible for funding.

Max. €3 million per project (a mix of grants and loans); up to 70% of project costs are eligible for funding.

The project must demonstrate a high degree of innovation and an appropriate level of (technical) development risk.
The FFG Project.Start funding provides €6,000 in financial support for project preparation.

Very high success rate!

FFG Life Sciences (LS)

Similar to the "Basisprogramm"; dedicated track for life science projects (industrial research & experimental development)

Max. €3 million per project (a mix of grants and loans); up to 70% of project costs are eligible for funding.

The project must demonstrate a high degree of innovation and an appropriate level of (technical) development risk.
The FFG Project.Start funding provides €6,000 in financial support for project preparation.

Very high success rate!

FFG Kleinprojekt

Wie Basisprogramm, jedoch nicht für Großunternehmen.

Max. grant of €90,000 per project; up to 60% of project costs are eligible for funding.

The project must demonstrate a high degree of innovation and an appropriate level of (technical) development risk.
The FFG Project.Start funding provides €6,000 in financial support for project preparation.
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Very high success rate!

FFG Ökoscheck

For SMEs, as well as associations and non-profit organizations, to support activities aimed at ecological transformation.

Max. grant of €12,000; up to 80% of costs covered.

Lottery-based selection! Only one Ökoscheck per organization is eligible. Reopens in September 2025.

aws (Pre-) Seed Deep Tech

PreSeed funding for deep-tech startups, small businesses, and natural persons in the (pre-)founding phase to support proof-of-concept development; Seed funding for SMEs within the first 4,5 years and for further development up to market readiness.

Max. of €1 million as a conditionally repayable grant (PreSeed: €300,000 as a non-repayable grant);
funding rate up to 90% (80% without female founder bonus).

Evaluation criteria: innovation potential (degree of novelty compared to the state of the art), team composition, and expected impact on growth and employment.
 
Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm and FFG LS Call.

aws LISA
(Life Sciences Austria)

Similar to (Pre-)Seed Deep Tech; dedicated track for life science projects.

Max. of €1 million as a conditionally repayable grant (PreSeed: €300,000 as a non-repayable grant); funding rate up to 90% (80% without female founder bonus).

Evaluation criteria: innovation potential (degree of novelty compared to the state of the art), team composition, and expected impact on growth and employment.
 
Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm and FFG LS Call.

aws (Pre-) Seed Innovative Solutions

PreSeed funding for natural persons or projects in the pre-foundation phase (outside the deep-tech domain) to support the development of a proof of concept; Seed funding for SMEs within their first 4,5 years and for further development up to market readiness.

Max. €400,000 (PreSeed: €100,000) non-repayable grant; funding rate up to 90% (80% without female founder bonus).

Innovation potential and impact (environmental relevance, social and societal effects).
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Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm

SFG Start!Klar

For innovative SMEs in Styria that are no older than 5 years; funding covers consulting services as well as investment costs.

Max. €30,000 grant for investments (up to 25% of costs) or up to €5,000 for consulting (up to 50%) per application.

For example, consulting services in the areas of innovation, business management, and finance, as well as investments such as machinery or business equipment.

SFG Ideen!Reich XL (XS)

For innovative SMEs in Styria; funding supports the development of new products, services, and business models; XS also supports the preparation of EU funding applications.

Max. grant of €75,000 (€14,000 for XS);
up to 50% of project costs funded (up to 70% for XS).

Bonuses possible for projects outside Graz, research collaborations, digitalization, and sustainability topics. 
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Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm
‍It pays to combine:
‍EIC Accelerator.

SFG Start!Klar Plus

For innovative small enterprises in Styria and their preparation for a funding round.

Max. grant of €100,000;
‍up to 80% of project costs covered.

Support is provided for manufacturing and market transition, organizational development, legal advice, and investor search.

WAW Innovation

For startups and established SMEs from all industries in Vienna; development of innovative products, technologies, and services.

Max. grant of €600,000;
funding rates are 45% for small enterprises (SE) and 35% for medium enterprises (ME).

A female founder bonus of €10,000 is provided if the project is led by a qualified woman. A startup bonus of €5,000 is awarded when a company is established as part of the project.

Projects are required to exhibit a high level of innovation and corresponding development risk.
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‍Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm

WAW Healthcare

For startups and established SMEs from all industries in Vienna; for R&D in the healthcare sector.

Max. grant of €600,000;
covers up to 80% of eligible costs;

female founder and startup bonuses are possible.

Examples include research in human health, process development for pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovations in diagnostics, medical devices, bioinformatics, and more; digital transformation initiatives are also supported.
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Worth comparing:
FFG LS Call and aws LISA

EIC Accelerator
(Horizon Europe)

For founders (natural persons), startups, and SMEs applying individually (no consortium) for the development and launch of disruptive (deep-tech) solutions.

Max. €12.5 million:
up to €2.5 million grant (70% of project costs); plus up to €10 million investment.

Funding is provided for groundbreaking and market-creating innovations; in addition to an open call, new challenges on specific topics are announced every year.

It pays to combine:  
SFG Ideen!Reich XS
Worth comparing:
FFG Basisprogramm